The special edition Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX MR high-performance sports sedan and wagon went on sale in Japan today. The MR designation is an abbreviation for Mitsubishi Racing, restricted to the “most prominent sports model in Mitsubishi’s line-up.” The new models are the second group of MR models released by MMC; the first being the Lancer Evolution VIII MR launched in February 2004. The new models mark the 14th iteration of the series that began with the Lancer Evolution in October 1992. The sedan and station wagon are third-generation compilation models and are designed with a focus on on-road sports driving. They will also be the last models to use the famed 4G63 2L DOHC intercooled turbo engine. The Lancer Evolution IX MR is available in two grades: the GSR, with a 6-speed manual gearbox for everyday driving and the RS, which has a 5-speed manual gearbox and is stripped down for motorsport competition. Gallery after the jump…


08/29, 8:48 AM
posted by:
Hymen Gone
Whatever the driving experience is like, why does it have to look so immature and bad?
08/29, 8:56 AM
posted by:
ss
ill wait for the Evo X…i think that will be a KILLER car.
08/29, 9:15 AM
posted by:
Fireresq157
Get rid of the bat wing, and design it to hold the road better with out it. Improve the suspension and handling and you’ll be on the right track Mitsubishi. Otherwise I agree as is it looks imature and rici.
08/29, 9:23 AM
posted by:
AussieDan
Say what you will about the styling, there is virtually nothing out there that can hang with it in performance at the same price point.
08/29, 9:36 AM
posted by:
Adam
LLN, are you sure about the MR being avialable as the GSR w/ a 6 speed and RS w/ a 5 speed? The current line up as it has been for a number of Generations of the Evo have been “RS” as the stripper, “GSR” as the middle. Then, more recently the line up has been “RS”, “GSR”and then the “MR” (In Japan and the US). I find it hard that they woul use the resulting alphabet soup of a modle line up of the “RS,” the “GSR,” the “MR RS” and the “MR GSR.” Also as the range topping model, the MR has been only avilable w/ a six speed.
08/29, 9:48 AM
posted by:
1952 MG TD
Adam… I got lost in the alpha’s in your post… so I am sure that you are correct, Mitsu would not jumble the traditional naming convention.
08/29, 10:35 AM
posted by:
Wonderer
I = 1
V = 5
VIII = 8
IX = 9
X = 10
08/29, 10:40 AM
posted by:
James
You forgot VII = 7
I = 1
II = 2
III = 3
IV = 4
V = 5
VI = 6
VII = 7
VIII = 8
IX = 9
X = 10
08/29, 11:06 AM
posted by:
steve
An Evo wagon/sportwagon would be nice if they sold it in the US
08/29, 11:18 AM
posted by:
Veda
5 speed, 6 speed, they’re all obsolete as the new X will have a dual clutch. That’s where the real technological jump will be…
08/29, 11:25 AM
posted by:
1952 MG TD
Technological jump, yes… but increased technology does not always equate to better.
Many drivers and enthusiasts may prefer the manual over the .1 second quicker shift.
08/29, 11:43 AM
posted by:
al
ugly
08/29, 12:00 PM
posted by:
Hyperion
Evo VIII-IX’s are still a great driving cars and will hold their own even when the X comes out.
08/29, 12:44 PM
posted by:
Kryptonite
I DEFINATELY did not purchase my VIII MR for the looks-LOL!
08/29, 1:56 PM
posted by:
ss
its a good looking car but nothing that makes me lust over it base on looks alone. I think the knowledge of what it is capable of tends to skew my judgment
08/29, 3:18 PM
posted by:
1c3d0g
The wagon version is FUGLY.
08/29, 3:36 PM
posted by:
David Snitchnhinger
Um… Correct me if I’m wrong but I’m fairly certain there was a 3000GT MR before Feb 2004
08/29, 3:44 PM
posted by:
Don
I love this car it’s a great performance buy.
08/29, 5:30 PM
posted by:
Andre Neves
^correction, first paragraph was about U.S spec Evos. Turns out they’re releasing MR GSR, MR RS models in Japan only. USA already has last year of the 4G63 Evolution as a 2006 model. There will be no 2007. Next year they will launch 2008 model in the summer.
08/29, 6:32 PM
posted by:
InvisibleEcho
Andre Neves,
While I totally agree with you, please note that retarded is spelled with a d there, not a t.
08/29, 6:50 PM
posted by:
The Stig
No paddles = no thanks.
08/29, 6:59 PM
posted by:
Andre Neves
type too fast…typo
08/30, 6:47 AM
posted by:
Anonymous
The wagon gets the vote from me. Sort of a poor man’s Audi RS wagons. Plus you get to eliminate the boy racer spoiler from the sedan. A sportscar assasin disguised as a wagon- very nice.
08/30, 1:31 PM
posted by:
Foster
JAP GRAP
08/31, 8:13 AM
posted by:
Desu
No paddles? Learn how to shift = learn how to drive. JAP GRAP? That must be a name for a car that whoops the **** out of what you drive. LOL idiots.
08/31, 8:39 AM
posted by:
fireresq157
To Andre Neves , Dear ASSHOLE I’m entitled to my opinion whats more I’m certain I’ve forgoten more about cars than you will ever know. If the Bat wing is all about performance? Why do most if not ALL real sports cars NOT have them at all or any more? Thats because like my statement emphesaised you can design aerodynamics into the car where you won’t need it or it can be minimized. I’m sure that many people would agree with me if you like those boy racer wings add one. I don’t think this car is that atractive in fact I think it looks slightly better than the last one. They all still look like a 90’s lancer with a bat wing.
09/01, 1:47 AM
posted by:
Andre Neves
LOL look what I found, such a dumb looking car…the wing is so big like the batmobile LOL…what were they thinking…
(Sarcasm)
http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z1355/Suzuki_Escudo%20Pikes%20Peak%20Version/default.aspx